Will Governor Waller Push Fed to Cut Rates?
2025-11-03 • Ian Irizarry
TL;DR
Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller is pushing for interest rates to be cut in December, or earlier, arguing that inflation is close enough to target and that waiting too long could hurt the labor market and business growth. Companies eager for funding should start planning now—rate cuts could mean cheaper borrowing, better terms, and more access to capital.
Why Governor Waller’s Push Could Change Things for Companies Seeking Funding
Here’s the thing: Waller’s been pretty clear about wanting to lower the Fed funds rate. He thinks current rates are holding back growth more than necessary since inflation is mostly in check. Waller Emerges as Fed Chair Contender Urges Cautious Rate Cuts
For businesses looking to raise money—whether it’s loans, investments, or issuing debt—this could be huge. Lower rates mean cheaper capital, wider credit availability, and generally more attractive financing options.
What Waller Is Actually Saying — The Latest Updates
Waller originally pushed for cuts “as soon as possible,” even eyeing July. But more recently, he’s shifted toward a more cautious approach, talking about cuts starting in September and then slowly over the following months. It's not political: Waller again calls for rate cut in July, reinforcing Fed divide
Just a quick caveat: no official quotes confirm he’s set on December for the cut. Public records until late October 2025 show he’s leaning toward October or September cuts but with a careful tone. The Wealth Advisor: Waller calls October cut and then caution he competes Fed chair post
December Rate Cuts? Possible But Not Set in Stone
While some market watchers are tossing around December as a target for easier money, Waller’s recent comments don’t explicitly back that up. The data’s a bit mixed: GDP’s holding up but signs in the labor market are weakening. I’ve found it’s important to remember that jumping the gun on cuts could backfire if inflation isn’t really tamed yet. Waller Emerges as Fed Chair Contender Urges Cautious Rate Cuts
How Lower Rates Could Help Your Company (And Where They Might Not)
Cheaper borrowing costs
- Things like loans, credit lines, and bonds become less expensive. Your interest payments drop.
 - If you’re planning to take on debt, locking in rates ahead of cuts might be smart.
 
Boosted asset valuations
- Equipment, real estate, and other capital assets get cheaper to finance.
 - Lower rates can lift valuation multiples, a big win for startups and growing companies.
 
Easier access to external funding
- When yields drop, investors often seek stocks, venture capital, or private equity instead.
 - Banks usually relax underwriting standards as rates fall.
 
But watch out: risks and timing
- Cutting rates too quickly while inflation lingers can cause input prices to spike again.
 - Some industries—like manufacturing and exporters—might not see immediate benefits or could even face mixed results.
 
Real-World Examples: Who Stands to Win
- Tech startups raising Series A or B could see convertible notes with less dilution and cheaper terms.
 - Manufacturers eyeing capex might get more favorable equipment leases and fixed-rate loans.
 - Real estate developers benefit from lower mortgage and construction loan costs, improving leverage.
 - Retailers and franchise owners can tap cheaper financing for inventory, leases, and expansion plans.
 
What I’d Do If You’re Chasing Funding Right Now
Take a close look at your current debt setup
- If you can, lock in fixed rates now.
 - Floating rates make sense if you’re confident cuts are coming soon.
 
Check your cash runway carefully
- How long can you operate before rates actually drop? Budget accordingly.
 - Don’t count on rate cuts to fix every cash flow issue—that’s a big assumption.
 
Get your pitch ready
- Show lenders or investors you grasp the interest rate outlook.
 - Highlight how lower rates would improve your margins.
 - Build financial models showing scenarios both with and without rate cuts.
 
Keep an eye on key economic signals
- Inflation metrics like CPI and PCE
 - Labor market trends
 - Fed minutes plus speeches from other governors
 
These will clue you in on whether cuts in December are still on the table.
SEO Keywords Companies Should Target
- Interest rate cut December 2025
 - Fed rate cut impact business funding
 - Christopher Waller interest rate calls
 - Lower borrowing costs US business
 - Fed policy rates funding environment
 
Try weaving these into your site, grant applications, and pitch decks.
Possible Pushbacks You Might Hear (And What Waller Says)
- “Inflation isn’t fully controlled yet.” Waller admits tariffs caused temporary inflation, but he expects it to fade. Axios Macro Newsletter
 - “Labor market is still tight.” He warns the weakness brewing now could hit fast once it starts. Waller Emerges as Fed Chair Contender Urges Cautious Rate Cuts
 - “Other Fed governors disagree.” Indeed, many favor a slower, more cautious approach. Business Insider: Rate cuts July Fed meeting Bowman Goolsbee inflation tariffs
 
FAQ: What Businesses Are Asking
Q: When will the rate cuts actually happen?
A: The most likely window is September or October 2025, with gradual cuts through the end of the year. December is still possible but not set in stone. The Wealth Advisor: Waller calls October cut and then caution he competes Fed chair post
Q: How big might the rate cuts be?
A: Waller suggests steps of around 25 basis points each, but total cuts could add up to 1 to 1.5 percentage points, depending on economic data. CNBC: Fed Governors Bowman Waller explain their dissents, say waiting to cut rates threatens economy
Q: What if inflation spikes again?
A: Then the Fed would likely pause or even hike rates again. Waller emphasizes taking a cautious, data-driven approach. Waller Emerges as Fed Chair Contender Urges Cautious Rate Cuts
Q: Should my company raise capital before or after rates fall?
A: If you can lock in good terms now, it’s smart to act. But if you can wait, you might get cheaper borrowing later. It’s all about balancing risk and potential savings.
Planning ahead for rate cuts could really position your company well—whether you’re negotiating debt, securing funding, or plotting growth. If you want help running financial models or prepping for investor chats in this shifting landscape, just let me know.